Sanguinis Domini

[Sir Kerag]

Kerag had a dilemma. It hung from his belt, sheathed, dully thrumming whenever his massive hand unconsciously caressed the pommel. Ever since Renquist gave him the blade, it was never far from his thoughts, let alone his hands. He was careful thus far, aware somewhat of the taint it carried, the taint which was slowly seeping through his blood.

The nightmares were the first indication it was already happening. Every night he stood in an ocean of blood, the sword clutched lovingly in his grasp. Kerag knew the dangers, was warned by his closest friends and acquaintances, yet something within him refused to give up the formerly cursed sword. He no longer knew whether it was pride, optimism, or the taint which made it so difficult to do away with.

He respected the vampire, and did not think he meant him ill will by giving the blade. It was a gift, and in some ways a curse. But it was his to bear, his to keep from the world, maybe do some good with it. Yet every venture thus far proved fruitless in finding the means to control the sword. The orc had a gut feeling Grayell knew something about blood magic he wasn't telling him, and he intended to try once more to employ his help in this endeavor. The guard finished his patrol for the night and went looking for the wild man, wherever he was.

[Grayell]

Which would likely be at home, in the tavern, or running amok in the woods. But this evening, Kerag found him in the tavern, sitting quietly by the fire.

Grayell smiled when he saw the Orc and his foot shoved a chair out for him to take a seat by him. He looked back to the fire, perhaps lost in thought.

Aye Kerag. Has been some time.

[Sir Kerag]

Kerag was surprised when he found Grayell in the tavern, returning his smile and took a seat. The orc removed his helmet, giving him a respectful nod, the fire reflected in the pupil of his green eye.

"Grayell. Aye indeed. Keeping busy I trust."

The guard retrieved an ivory skull pipe from his belt, lighting the red herbal contents in the base of skull. He hit off it, strawberry scented red smoke hovering above him, dancing upwards from his nostrils.

"I'll skip past the pleasantries and get straight to the point. I've sought you out tonight for a reason. I seek your aid."

He looked around, seeing who might be listening in, then regarded Amaranth in the slightest of glances from the corner of his eye.

[Grayell]

Grayell nodded and knitted his hands in his lap. He seemed quiet, perhaps withdrawn; but was not ignoring Kerag.

The blade no doubt. So, it is becoming a greater problem then.

He shifted in his seat then, leaned forward with arms on his thighs. One hand rested on his chin, his finger across his lips. He still stared at the fire.

And you imagine I have the means to help you. I hope you've some idea of how we go about this Kerag.

If you have a plan then count me in. I won't let you fall prey to that bastard steel.

[Sir Kerag]

Kerag pursed his lips, then opened them to take another hit. The smoke did little to calm his nerves tonight.

"Aye the bastard steel. The nightmares worsen. So much blood..."

The warrior shivered, and he never showed visible discomfort about blood. Well not usually anyways.

"I do. I'd trust no one else. The taint is too much for the others to handle, and I wish not to bring Brother Venom or the Captain into this...let alone Charles, he has a family after all."

The orc shook his head.

"No...the secret is in the blood. I spoke with Alec on the issue, scavenged ancient ruins searching for information on blood magic. But to no avail."

One hand held the pipe, and to his horror, Kerag looked down to find his other hand already clutching the pommel of Amaranth, caressing it while he spoke of controlling it. The feeling of powerlessness against this foe was close to maddening. He turned his head up, forcing a look of determination.

"The taint is somehow connected to blood. If I can learn blood magic, I'll have a chance to reverse the effects...I think."

[Grayell]

Grayell nodded again, his mood did not change. It was understood between aged warriors such as Kerag and he that excitement could cause insult. No, he listened to him intently and spoke with just as much intent.

I am not learned you understand this yes? My circumstances are different. I have no knowledge of ritual and spells and what not... I only understand blood.

If that can help you, then you have whatever assistance you need. But I can promise you nothing.

[Sir Kerag]

Kerag finished smoking for now, carefully putting away the pipe, folding his arms across his chest. He felt Gray and him had a warriors understanding of each other, and without the formalities and politics of the Guard in the way, the orc found their discussion pleasant albeit the grim subject.

"I didn't take you as a bookworm. Not ignorant of course, but rather..."

Kerag seemed to think how best to word it.

"Occupied with more 'pressing' matters. It's instinctual for you no?" Kerag smirked, "Any aid is appreciated Grayell, in whatever form it comes. You likely don't have a method to teach me if that's the case...But there are other ways."

The orc grinned mischievously.

"It'll be dangerous what I'm considering. And there might be options. Either we find someone in the underbelly of Wistvale who knows enough of Blood Magic, or find a demon and take the knowledge."

He finally shrugged, voice calm but assertive.

"I have no leads however, and it's a long shot. But I can't stand idly by and slowly succumb to Amaranth."

[Grayell]

Grayell's brow furrowed, his eyes narrowed. He licked his lips and rocked further forward now, shifted a log deeper into the fire.

Demons are nasty business Kerag. And I have no quarrel with a demon that bides it's time in it's rightful place. To interfere without provocation... well that would end poorly. Let sleeping dogs lay and all.

We could see if there are any Blood Mages in Wistvale, if they are likely to be trading anywhere it is here. Perhaps they can teach you a thing or two or give you something of a lead. I... well I can assist you in whatever capacity you need.

I could try to explain it. I mean... I just don't know how it is for others. But I am not ignorant to it, as you are not ignorant to breathing. It comes naturally, but you can describe how. I do now know though. I can teach someone to master the sword. Blood... well I have never tried.

[Sir Kerag]

Kerag chuckled, shaking his head.

"And here I was ready to hunt down a fiend of the abyss for my own entertainment and benefit. Aye you have a point about that, don't need to stir the hornet's nest so to speak."

The orc had ordered a tankard of ale while Grayell spoke, sipping greedily, foam lining his lips when he set the drink down.

"After necromancers, zombies, vampires, and all manner of low life villainy I've dealt with already, finding a blood mage shouldn't prove difficult. That is, if you're method doesn't help me."

He rested his elbows on his knees, chin in his hands while he studied Gray, pondering his words.

"The sword part alone will prove helpful. I'm afraid I have no true experience with one handed weaponry, I'm so used to applying strength in devastating two-handed attacks. As for blood magic, I have no love of books and rituals, and If you're instinctual method works for me, I'd be happier for it. No reason why we can't try eh?"

[Grayell]

Grayell nods and quietly orders a drink for himself. He manages a smile then.

Of course. But if you thought guard training tested your resolve...

Grayell chuckled.

Well Kerag, we're really going to see what you're made of now.

[Sir Kerag]

Kerag gave a hearty laugh, swigging the ale. He burped.

"Prepare to be impressed my friend, Kerag never backs down from a challenge."

He scratched his chin, smiling.

[Grayell]

Grayell raised an eyebrow and offered his mug in a mock toast before drinking from it.

We'll see soon enough. You just let me know when you're ready mate.

[Sir Kerag]

Kerag returned the mock toast, draining the contents of the large tankard and slamming it down on the table.

"Now Commander. Unless that's too soon?"

[Grayell]

Grayell looked almost surprised at that. He thought it over, finished his ale and set it on the table between them. He then rose to his feet, cracked his neck and then smiled, turning to the door.

Alright then. Well, I'd rather not make a mess of some poor bastard - so I would set you a task. Take a kill in the woods - a deer, a boar, something useful. When we're done eating and so on, then we will have some blood to work with.

Meet me by the lake.

[Sir Kerag]

Kerag chuckled, saluting the Commander. He set a few gold pieces on the table and left the Tavern, first heading to his shack. He stripped down like he always did for training, setting aside the armor of oktai, helmet, and axe. The beast amulet hung from his neck, and Amaranth never left his side. He wore the usual white fundoshi and headed out, locking the doors behind him.
---

A black bear sniffed the air, as if picking up on the scent of something peculiar. The smell of blood. Kerag waited, holding the knife from the lower shaft of his axe, patiently observing the animal. The opportunity alone was exciting, for he was not a woodsman nor a hunter, and after ruining his last three chances this night, he was going to make sure this ended correctly. The orc waited and then, when the bear came back to all fours, satisfied nothing was nearby, Kerag dropped, slamming the bulk of his body on top of the bear's back, forcing it to the ground, all the air knocked from it's lungs. Kerag growled, pinning the creature down as he rose the knife against it's throat and slit it, keeping it from thrashing about and trying to kill him in it's last moments alive.

He panted, taking deep breaths and wiping sweat from his brow once satisfied the beast was dead. He cleaned the blood from his knife and put it away, taking the bear with him as he proceeded to the lake.

"Plenty of good eating and enough blood methinks."